Brave New World

In the last week we have had further evidence of "rights" triumph over rights.

In Parliament this week the rights of single people, homosexual and lesbian couples have taken precedence over the rights of children under their care. The nature of the domestic arrangements of heads of families is a matter for the people concerned. Fatherhood was effectively written out for some in the embryology votes this week, and the nurture of children the sole concern of the parent(s).

(This is at odds with a social services tradition which intervenes not only where children are in danger, but also where carers are deemed to be unsuitable because of minor misdemeanours, their religious or other convictions, or the colour of their skin. It also stands at odds with a Government which increasingly acts like "Nanny".)

Harriet Harman, interviewed recently claimed that there is no ideal type of household in which to bring up children, and that marriage has little relevance in public policy. She wants to give more, if not equal rights to all couples, married or not, with fathers as "optional extras" or as distant finance providers to save the state money.

As in the case of abortion, argued on the basis of rights of the mother, the rights of the child seem to be largely overlooked. There is a strong case for advocating marriage for the good of the child. Every serious study, here and elsewhere, has confirmed what societies have found over the centuries, that children need the security of two parents and both role models. Children from single and "alternative" couplings achieve less and tend to get into more trouble.

This is not the raving of a reactionary bigot. Nor is it a criticism of single parents caring heroically for their children. It is a reflection that the fading Liberal-left oligarchy has taken us into dangerous waters with its advocacy of self expression and rights (over others).
Above all it is reminder that there should be no rights given which do not also impose responsibilities.

From all the evidence which continues to accrue, the future generation will be best served if the rights of the child are protected, rather than ignored, that parents of a child accept their full responsibility and not try to slough it off to the state or evade because it suits their life style.